Half of us haunted by ‘unfulfilled’ career ambitions

A new study has revealed that almost half of workers regret not following their childhood dreams.

The study for recruitment website Monster.co.uk found that the most common unfulfilled ambition was becoming a doctor or vet, a sports star or actor, and the individuals who cited these dreams mostly ended up in IT, education or administration.

Adults in their 40s are most fed up in their chosen careers, with 47 per cent wishing they’d followed their dreams instead, compared with only a third of those over 60.

In total, 42 per cent of people wish they had chased their childhood ambitions, according to the research.

Men seem to be most dissatisfied, with 44 per cent frustrated in their jobs compared with 40 per cent of women.

The study further found that one in six had become more focused on happiness rather than money or fame.

“It isn’t unusual to look back at your childhood dreams and think about what could have been,” the Daily Mail quoted Monster.co.uk spokesperson Michael Gentle as saying.

“This is perfectly normal but it is important to decide whether this is simply nostalgia, or whether you are genuinely unhappy in your current role.

“If it’s the latter then it could be time to think about taking stock and moving into a career that is better suited to your interests, skills and ambitions,” Gentle added.